I am hoppin' mad! This year marks the 100th anniversary of the most imporant event in Pentecostalism - The Azusa Steet Revival in Los Angeles. Since I live within a half hour of the original building of the 1906 revival, and I classify myself as a fairly Reformed (read that Reformational) Pentecostal, I thought I might go to some fo the events. That is, until I read the speaker list. The Third Wave Charismatics and Word of Faithers have hijacked it! This is just unbelievable and a great disservice IMO to the original participants of Azusa Street.
Here are some of the Charismatics - all Third Wave except for Francis MacNutt who is one of the original leaders of the 1960's-'70's Charismatic Renewal
Bill Hamon
Ed Silvoso
George Otis (well..he is kind of 3rd wave)
Che Ahn
Claudio Freidzon
Carlos Anacondia
Cindy Jacobs
Lou Engle
Word of Faith speakers include:
Kenenth Copeland
Fred Price
Gloria Copeland
Jerry Savelle
Creflo Dollar
The women are even luckier. Here is who they are going to hear in the special women meetings:
Judy Jacobs
Juanita Bynum
Paula White
Gloria Copeland
Gloria Copeland will probably be good. She actually teaches a fairly Christ-centered Bible message. But the others? Representing Pentecostals?
Here are some who will NOT be speaking:
Thomas Trask - head of the Assembly of God denomination. This is the denom. that came directly out of Azusa Street. Why isn't Professor Opal Reddin of one of AoG's Bible Colleges speaking to the women?
And where is Gilbert Patterson? He is the president of the largest black Pentecostal denom. - the Church of God in Christ. He is a fantastic speaker - very Bible and Christ centered and doesn't apologize for what true Pentecostals believe.
Okay, I will give space to the Word of Faith people since they will be having their own meetings at Fred Price's church (the Hagin people are noticeably absent...that will be another post). And, they are after all Pentecostal (mostly) - not Charismatic. But Creflo Dolar? Sigh..............
We've done been hijacked!
Steve Went Looking for Grace
3 days ago
8 comments:
I agree with you wholeheartedly. I am deeply concerned that these people must somehow believe that because all the big name preachers are coming in conjunction with the 100 year anniversary (seems to be a magical number among revivalists) that God must move.
I'm disturbed at topics such as "Redigging the Wells of Azusa Street" and the "William Seymour Memorial Rally" as if the church is too busy tring to recreate a past move of God that it will grossly miss out on what God really wants to do. Also, I believe that William Seymour would be appalled at the tribute.
Even though it's bad already, it could be worse if Rick Warren showed up.
Isn't the purpose of the centenniel to intercede and pray for a new and fresh annointing of the Holy Spirit - which we all need on a daily basis not only every 100 yrs - but should we not be blogging to join together the body of Christ and not seperating it. We tend to be partial and exclusive but as we know God's word says: "where two or three gather in His name" ...This event is more for those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, because they will be filled...doesn't matter who or who doesn't get to hold a mic this time, don't you think?
ponéte a orar ya, por favor. Dios tiene un par de cosas que decirte.
Thomas Trask did get to speak. But hey, the thing is not to worry or get mad about who got to speak, but to pray that God's will is done and that people are filled with His Spirit and drawn closer to truth.
Christians just need to stop complaining, pointing fingers and being so religious like the Pharisees. Why don't we just follow Christ's example---he that speaks positively about me is for me. Let's stay united! A kingdom that is divided will not stand. Please let's learn from Christ example. Let's support our brothers and sisters who are promoting the name of Jesus Christ. The 100th year Azusa celebration is NOT HIJACKED--and let's stop the name calling!
As an AG pastor,a fourth generation pentecostal and third generation preacher I attended the cenntenial. Overall the celebration was really good, but the greatest blessing wa meeting pentecostals from all over the world and hearing their stories. I came home completely satisfied that pentecost was still on the right track even though there are some excesses. But that's just part of being a movement.
I also was at Azusa. Every service
I went to was awesome. Filled with the word of God and the power of God.
I am not sure what is meant by excess.
Ponder for a moment the bible and heaven. I hope we are not limiting God
by the way we think things should be.
Let God out of our safe boxes and be world changers for Him.
Yikes! Perhaps I missed something? Perhaps I was wrong?
Thanks for all the comments..:)
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